Pete Alonso Set to Return to Citi Field

Pete Alonso is making his anticipated comeback to Citi Field on Monday as the Orioles visit the Mets. The first baseman is, once again, having an impressive season.

Despite the Mets improving somewhat as they approach the end of a challenging season, Alonso will undoubtedly be the focus in Queens. He comes back just one home run away from reaching the 300 mark in his career.

Francisco Lindor, among Alonso’s former teammates, can hardly wait for his return. He expressed his hopes for a lively atmosphere, stating, “It better be electric. I hope people go crazy for him. He deserves it.”

Alonso is returning with 35 home runs to his name this season and was just one RBI shy of his fourth 100-RBI season in five years before Sunday’s games.

This is precisely what the Orioles anticipated when they signed Alonso to a five-year, $155 million deal in the offseason, especially since the Mets were willing to part ways with the five-time All-Star.

The Mets’ strategy of replacing Alonso with Jorge Polanco, in what many have deemed an ill-advised roster reconstruction, has been unsuccessful thus far. The absence of Alonso has been felt throughout the season, but Monday could introduce a fresh challenge.

“I love Pete,” said Francisco Alvarez, reflecting on his time with Alonso. “I miss him. But now he’s on the other side, and I just have to think about how to beat him and get him out.”

With a chuckle, Alvarez added, “I don’t know how to do that. It’s going to be pretty hard to do.” He, along with Lindor and Brett Baty, credited Alonso for his guidance during their time together.

“I know how competitive he is as a player, and we’re going to compete,” Alvarez remarked. “He loves this game, and I love that part about him.” Like Lindor, Alvarez wishes for a warm reception for Alonso during the series.

“I don’t know how it’s gonna be,” he pondered. “I hope it’s good for him because he loved New York and our team.”

Once the games begin, though, the friendly camaraderie will be put aside. Lindor noted, “It will be great to see him, but then, after that, good luck. We’ve got to win. We’ve got to play. I 100 percent want him to do well with Baltimore. He was a great teammate, a great person. I wish him nothing but the best, good luck and have fun. Then we’ve got to play.”

Earlier this month, Alonso touched on what his return means to him, saying, “Honestly, for me, nothing is spiteful. During the free agent process, the Orioles were the front-runners the entire time. For me to be in a place where they see me not just for the short term, but as a long-term piece of the franchise, I want to make good on their belief in me. I do that by playing well and helping win games. It’s as simple as that.”